Night Caps: Cambridge vs Waltham
How do night caps rules compare between Cambridge, MA and Waltham, MA?
Waltham has fewer restrictions than Cambridge.
Cambridge, MA
Middlesex County
Cambridge does not impose a specific annual night cap but restricts non-owner-occupied operations entirely and requires the owner to maintain primary residence at least 9 months per year.
View full Cambridge rules →Waltham, MA
Middlesex County
Waltham has not adopted a specific annual night cap on short-term rentals, but zoning limits may restrict non-owner-occupied STRs depending on district and primary residence status.
View full Waltham rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cambridge | Waltham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Night Cap | None specific | - |
| Primary Residence | 9 months per year | - |
| Non-Owner-Occupied | Prohibited | - |
| Owner-Occupied 2-3 Family | Additional units allowed | - |
| Revocation Trigger | Loss of primary residency | - |
| Annual Cap | - | None currently |
| Owner-Occupied | - | Generally permitted |
| Whole-Home Rentals | - | May require review |
| Zoning Review | - | Via ISD |
| State Authority | - | Cap allowed if adopted |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cambridge FAQ
Is there a 90-night limit?
No, Cambridge does not cap nights but requires 9 months of owner occupancy annually.
Can I rent year-round?
Only if you maintain primary residence; investor-only STRs are not permitted in Cambridge.
Waltham FAQ
Is there a night limit on my Waltham STR?
No specific annual cap is in effect, but zoning restrictions may limit operation in certain residential districts.
Are non-owner-occupied STRs allowed?
They may be, but verify with Inspectional Services as some zoning districts restrict whole-home investor rentals.
Compare other topics
See how Cambridge and Waltham compare on other ordinance categories.
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